Preserving Cultural Heritage in Filigree Silver Handicraft

Project code: DWC-01-25

Number of Participants: 6

Location: Kongbai Village, Leishan County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province

Closest Airport: Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport (KWE)

Project Needs:

The Miao are one of the 56 official ethnic groups in China and are known for their handmade unique silver ornaments, which they wear to ward off evil or for attracting good fortune. With over 400 years of history and was listed as a Chinese national intangible cultural heritage in

2006, the traditional craftsmanship of Miao silver is the living expressions of creativity, skills, and knowledge passed down through generations. The silver handicrafts are not merely object or artifacts, but they reflect the cultural values, belief, way of life, history and the diverse identities of the Miao ethnic group. However, due to industrial production of silver handicraft in the market, a decrease in the market demand for traditional Miao silver, as well as a growing number of young Miao people moving to the cities to pursue higher incomes, the inheritance of Miao silver craftsmanship is encountering difficulties. Kongbai village is a famous silversmith village in Leishan County, with many villagers knowing how to forge silver jewelry, but ironically, not many of them actually stay in the village. Furthermore, despite the artistic appearance of the Miao silver, the complex design and techniques are becoming less suitable to modern lifestyle and hard to compete with the fast-paced commercial industries. It is important to preserve the craftmanship since the handicraft not only serve as cultural identity for the Miao, but also have education value in teaching the younger generations about history, culture, and traditional skills. The handcrafts also have significant economic potential in sustainable cultural tourism and can act as a bridge in cultural exchanges, fostering understanding and appreciation between different culture.

Project Aims:

•  Promote, preserve, and sustain Miao silver craftsmanship: It is important to ensure the skills and technique of silver filigree, as well as the history of the craftsmanship can be passed down to the next generation by documenting and researching the techniques, stories, and cultural significance of the craft.

•  Aid   in   the   sustainable   development   of   rural   village   through   cultural   tourism empowerment: Cultural tours/workshops with Chinese and English guides/handbook will be designed and created by participants to help the transmission of Miao culture and silver filigree skills, allowing locals to better share with future visitors.

•  Encourage  the  international  exchange  of  ideas/stories/history/etc  from  different countries to generate new innovative silver designs that are practical and adaptive of the modern world, but still retain the Miao traditional characteristics and essence.

Meals and Accommodation:

Meals will be prepared by the local villagers based on the local seasonal vegetables available. Two  participants  per room  with  basic  bedding  available.  Sleeping  bags  are  not  needed.

Participants should bring their own basic toiletries, in-door slipper, towels, etc. WIFI signal may be weak in the village.

Work/Activities:

•   In-depth hands-on learning and practice of filigree silver crafts 

Ø Technique Learning: Under the guidance of the local experienced teacher, participants will learn the core skills of silver smelting, wire drawing, filigree, wielding, etc. and make a traditional Miao silver jewelry (ex. earring). Participants will help record, take pictures, and document the whole production process so that the craft will be able to be past to future generations.

Ø   Innovative design: After  learning  the  techniques  of  filigree  silver,  participants’ creativity are pull together to create 3 new jewelry designs that will incorporate both traditional Miao totem elements, as well as modern international concepts. The new designs will be shared and discussed with the local villagers and may be used  for  charity  sale,  promoting  local  cultural  heritage  and/or  supporting sustainable village development.

•   Development of Chinese and English cultural tour guides in promoting the silver craft and the local village culture/history. Participants will assist by:

Ø   Researching village handicrafts, folklore, history, and natural/scenic landscapes

Ø   Planning/designing one-day or half-day cultural/eco-tour routes of the village

Ø   Production of the tour guides

Ø   Writing   Chinese   and   English   descriptions/introductions   of   scenic   spots, folklores, silver handicrafts of the village

Ø   Taking    pictures    or    drawing    illustrations    to    help    promote    the    village culture/history/handicraft

•   Cultural exchange with local villagers and other participants

Ø   Cultural  Night  will  be  organized  to  share  with  local  villagers  and  participants about the different country’s culture (language, music, food, handicraft, etc)

Ø   Create and share videos of the village and on silver pedigree on social media to share with the world and to increase public awareness about their importance.

Volunteer’s Requirement: 

•  Strong  interest  in  traditional  handicrafts,  cultural  heritage  protection,  and  cross- cultural sharing

•   Adaptable to basic living conditions in remote areas

•   Respectful to local culture and ethnic customs

•   Background in art design, cultural studies, anthropology, or tourism are ideal but not required.